tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90182319720104524502018-03-05T17:20:26.595-08:00Allan EakinThoughts from an intentionally bi-vocational pastorAllan Eakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538383305986781804noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018231972010452450.post-24366258875485980292018-02-02T20:00:00.002-08:002018-02-02T20:00:39.561-08:00Fake News Is In The News<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial narrow&quot;; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: white;">“Fake news” is in the news. The term immerged during the most recent U. S. Presidential campaign. Both sides of the political aisle accused the other of generating “fake” news stories to further a politic agenda. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial narrow&quot;; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: white;">Where did the whole “fake news” phenomenon originate? “Fake news” is the direct result of "activist" journalism. Activist journalism is a covert method of journalism used to sway public opinion to a particular cause or political candidate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial narrow&quot;; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: white;">Back in the day, newspaper editors or news anchors might offer an editorial or opinion segment. The editorial was always distinguished from the news reporting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial narrow&quot;; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: white;">Today, the line between editorials and genuine reporting is becoming increasingly blurred. Television news anchors feel obligated to add a personal comment following a news segment, a raised eyebrow after an interview, or a subtle shrug following a news report from the field.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial narrow&quot;; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: white;">Activist journalism occurs on both sides of the political aisle. Both liberals and conservatives utilize activist journalism.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: white;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial narrow&quot;; font-size: 11pt;">How should a responsible Christian respond?</span></b><span style="font-family: &quot;arial narrow&quot;; font-size: 11pt;"> 1) Research a news story before accepting it at face value. Just because it agrees with your political view doesn’t necessarily make the story true. Research both alternative media sources, as well as, mainstream media sources. 2) Just because a news story agrees with your political view, doesn’t mean it’s worthy of sharing. As a Christian, when you share unsubstantiated or even untrue news stories, you look foolish. You reflect negatively on the name of Jesus. 3) Maintain a Biblical worldview. View everything that occurs in the world through the filter of the Scriptures. For example, God is sovereign according to the Bible. Another example is that God answers prayer. Remember these, along with other principles, as your discern truth in reporting and attempt to navigate our current American landscape. Yes, Christians should be politically informed. 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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Cambria;} </style><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial narrow&quot;;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">“ . . . </span><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Speak the truth, each one to his neighbor,</span><span style="font-size: 12.222222328186035px;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">because we are members of one another</span></i></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: white;">” (Ephesians 5:25).</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Allan Eakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538383305986781804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018231972010452450.post-33417523567195726372017-09-19T07:01:00.001-07:002017-09-19T07:01:26.822-07:00Keep Your Appointments<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ovtIHjMQzBs/WcEfv5ae3wI/AAAAAAAACI0/C4Qh4CJT1Pg1Gb2qRX9X49MTmnLc2YMqwCLcBGAs/s1600/circled_day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="500" height="130" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ovtIHjMQzBs/WcEfv5ae3wI/AAAAAAAACI0/C4Qh4CJT1Pg1Gb2qRX9X49MTmnLc2YMqwCLcBGAs/s200/circled_day.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Most people regularly make and keep appointments as a part of daily living. Those appointments include doctor appointments, haircut appointments, lunch appointments, soccer practice, work, school, etc. For some people, appointments are honored diligently. Others consider them as mere suggestions. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />The story of the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well (John 4:1-10) is about divine appointments. Let’s examine the story and make three applications. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />A quick cultural lesson is necessary to understand the twists and turns of the story. The woman was a Samaritan. There was much animosity between Samaritans and Hebrews during Jesus’ day. The Samaritan people had a both a Hebrew AND a non-Hebrew heritage. <br /><br />God’s plan for the Hebrew people included maintaining a pure faith in Him. To accomplish that, He instructed the Hebrews to marry only those that had the same religion (Judaism) or other Hebrews. The instruction was not about race, but rather about maintaining an uncompromised faith in Him. Because of circumstances, the Samaritans had intermarried with others of different religions. This opened the door for idolatry and religious compromise. That compromise was at the heart of the dispute between the Samaritans and the Hebrews. <br /><br />Hebrew religious leaders, because of the animosity, would seldom travel through the land associated with the Samaritans. In fact, on many occasions, they would travel around the borders of Samaria to avoid the Samaritan people. <br /><br />Jesus did not honor such practices. The story tells us that on His way from Judea to Galilee, Jesus traveled through Samaria purposefully. At a place called Jacob’s Well, Jesus held a conversation with a Samaritan woman that led to her experiencing saving faith. From this story, we discover three applications. <br /><br /><strong>1) Jesus arranges divine appointments (4:1-6).</strong> A divine appointment is a supernaturally arranged meeting of people for the purpose of one speaking truth into the life of another to meet a unique spiritual need. That need may be spiritual transformation, spiritual encouragement, spiritual direction, or some other spiritual need. Jesus chose to travel through Samaria on that day, stop at Jacob’s Well at 6 pm, and send his disciples into Sychar to purchase food so that He could have a life-changing conversation with a Samaritan woman. It was an appointment He was determined to keep. <br /><br />Today, Jesus causes Christians to cross paths with others, daily, so that we too can speak truth into their lives. Those are divine appointments. They can occur at any time and anywhere. Be constantly ready to speak truth into the lives of other people. <br /><br /><strong>2) Jesus goes to great lengths to reach ALL people (4:6-10)</strong>. When comparing Jesus to the Samaritan Woman, several differences emerge. He was male and she was female. He was holy. She was a “down-and-outer.” He was a Hebrew. She was a Samaritan. Yet, Jesus went to great lengths to reach this woman with the gospel. Modern disciples must imitate Jesus and go to great lengths to reach ALL people. It doesn’t matter if others look like us, talk like us, or have similar cultures, modern disciples must reach ALL people with the gospel. <br /><br /><strong>3) Jesus is at work in the lives of people, even though we may not recognize it (4:15-24).</strong> Because we do not know what God is doing in the lives of people around us, we must intentionally speak gospel truth to all with whom we cross paths. From her responses, this woman was unhappy with her life (4:15) and was struggling with spiritual questions (4:19-24). Jesus knew that and kept a divine appointment with her. To most people, she was simply a Samaritan woman drawing water from a well. To Jesus, He saw her heart and knew she was searching for answers. <br /><br />God is at work around us constantly. From a human perspective, we can’t always see it. Therefore, we should intentionally speak gospel truth into people’s lives and trust that God will use it to bring life-change. <br /><br /><b>So what?</b> In response to this story and the practical applications, modern believers should do two things. 1) At the beginning of your day, ask God to give you a divine appointment(s). 2) Ask Him to help you recognize and respond properly to those divine appointments. Remember, keep your appointments. Allan Eakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538383305986781804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018231972010452450.post-80010534548102508702017-08-29T09:50:00.002-07:002017-08-29T09:51:52.681-07:00Just Say “I Do”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kkq69NaNNv4/WaWbTHEK2WI/AAAAAAAACGs/VSfUPF__fxQSQ4UrjfyqOfOVd5FIlmmjwCLcBGAs/s1600/i%2Bdo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kkq69NaNNv4/WaWbTHEK2WI/AAAAAAAACGs/VSfUPF__fxQSQ4UrjfyqOfOVd5FIlmmjwCLcBGAs/s200/i%2Bdo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Weddings are a big deal in American society. According to TheKnot.com’s 10<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> Annual Real Weddings Study of 13,000 couples, the average cost of a wedding in 2016 was $ 35,329.00. In Manhattan, the average cost is $78, 464. For a real bargain, a couple can have a wedding for a meager $ 19,522.00 in Arkansas. The point? Weddings are a big deal today.</span><br /> <br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Weddings were a big deal in Jesus’ day as well. Certain social and legal obligations surrounded the wedding events among the Hebrew people. </span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus attended a wedding in the small town of Cana during his first few days of public ministry. There, Jesus performed his first miracle. Remember, the goal of a miracle is belief.</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A crisis occurred at the wedding described in John 2:1-12. The groom’s family ran out of refreshments. That was a huge social faux pas. Jesus’ mother, Mary, turned to Jesus and asked Him to fix the problem. Jesus instructed the servants at the wedding to fill several clay jars with water and then present a cup of “water” to the one in charge of food and drink at the wedding. Jesus had transformed the water into wine. Judging from the head steward’s reaction, it was pure and not watered down.</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Three practical life-principles emerge from this story.</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1) To see Jesus work in your life, do whatever He says</b>. Mary told the servant to “do whatever He says.” As a result, the power of Jesus was demonstrated as he changed the very molecular structure of the water. To see Jesus work in your life, you must do what he says. Obey Him.</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2) Jesus can bring joy to any situation</b>. Wine, in its various forms, was symbolic of joy. Amid a crisis, Jesus restored joy to the ceremony. Whether you are experiencing difficult situations, devastating circumstance, or a disastrous event, submit it to Jesus and ask Him to bring joy to it. Today, why don’t you choose JOY?</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3) Jesus involves Himself to influence our faith.</b> Jesus involves Himself in our lives through providence and through divine intervention. Whether His involvement is the supernatural arrangement of circumstance and events to accomplish His will or direct intervention, Jesus always desires to stretch and grow your belief.</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The point? Just say “I Do” to Jesus! </b>When Jesus is involved, things change. </span></div>Allan Eakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538383305986781804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018231972010452450.post-91669524568988723342016-12-08T08:06:00.000-08:002016-12-11T04:26:50.412-08:00Moral Relativism vs. Moral Absolutism<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0EqhIWZJQrU/WEl1XqsD9bI/AAAAAAAAB8c/uMXUxf3Do8UcR-QBMlfjXp973ez9X2W0wCLcB/s1600/right-and-wrong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0EqhIWZJQrU/WEl1XqsD9bI/AAAAAAAAB8c/uMXUxf3Do8UcR-QBMlfjXp973ez9X2W0wCLcB/s200/right-and-wrong.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong><em>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Moral relativism is the notion that right and wrong are not absolute values, but are personalized according to the individual and his or her circumstances or cultural influences.</em></strong> So what may have been viewed as morally wrong in the 1600s, may not be viewed as morally wrong in the 21st century. What is viewed as morally wrong by one culture, may not be morally wrong for another culture.</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong><em>Proponents of moral relativism site man’s growing sophistication as the basis of their adherence to belief.</em></strong> Proponents declare that man has grown as a species and previous moral standards and cultural morays must change. </div>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong><em>The opposite of moral relativism is moral absolutism</em></strong>. Moral absolutism is the notion that right and wrong are not subjective, but is objective. An objective standard is used to measure right and wrong regardless of differing times, cultures, or philosophies. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Certainly, history has seen the misapplication of moral absolutism by some people. However, that misapplication does not negate the need for moral absolutism.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A society left to determine its own version of right and wrong, its own version of morality, or its own version of acceptable human behavior will produce a society based on pleasure, comfort, and ease. </div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong><em>&nbsp;&nbsp; Transcendent morality is the moral compass that keeps humankind from veering into moral disaster</em></strong>. Although rejected by some philosophers, some members of academia, and others, some form of transcendent morally is essential to prevent a degradation of society. Historically, the Bible is the most honored moral code. It has survived the changing of empires, shifting cultures, and varying times. </div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong><em>&nbsp; The Bible contains God’s standard for living. </em></strong>Some may disagree with it. Others may openly reject it. The Bible IS the objective standard for moral conduct. The Bible is the transcendent standard for moral conduct. The Bible is GOD’S standard for moral conduct. </div>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong><em> So what?</em></strong><br /><strong><em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1) When facing a moral dilemma, consult God's Word.</em></strong><br /><strong><em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2)&nbsp;When evidence of moral relativism emerges, apply God's Word.</em></strong><br /><strong><em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3) When needing direction for life, refer to God's Word.</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>Allan Eakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538383305986781804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018231972010452450.post-40899058692328764622016-11-29T07:00:00.000-08:002016-11-29T08:15:49.302-08:00Defining Moments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yk66eXsQVaA/WDykF3qqd5I/AAAAAAAAB8A/ib3w8fziJEsogLw84D1rMeI_rrwEk-XBgCLcB/s1600/DefiningMoments_SermonGraphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yk66eXsQVaA/WDykF3qqd5I/AAAAAAAAB8A/ib3w8fziJEsogLw84D1rMeI_rrwEk-XBgCLcB/s200/DefiningMoments_SermonGraphic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <em>We all have defining moments in our lives.</em></strong> Sometimes we realize those moments for what they are and at other times they pass us by. Defining moments occur in our professional life, our marital life, our family life, our spiritual life, etc.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <em>From a spiritual perspective,&nbsp;defining moments are life altering, crucial moments in life that God uses to demonstrate Himself in an obvious way resulting in you never being the same again.</em></strong> Those moments define you from that point forward. Those moments reveal who you are at your core. Those moments give you direction and purpose.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong><em>Some defining moments are good and some are not so good.</em></strong> Some defining moments are successes and some are failures. Some defining moments are experiences and some are events. Yet, they all impact us for a lifetime.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong><em>Often, we do not recognize those defining moments in our life until they have passed</em></strong>. It's more of a review mirror type realization. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <em><strong>For me, the defining moment concerning God's faithfulness&nbsp;occurred in 1983</strong>.</em> I desperately desired to attend an Evangelism Explosion Training event to better prepare myself to live on mission. The cost was $ 300.00. I was just starting out in ministry and money was very tight. I asked God to supply the funds. Two weeks later, I served as evangelist at a series of revival meetings in a neighboring church. At the end of the series of meetings, the church treasurer handed me an honorarium. My first reaction (remember that I was young in ministry) was "I get paid to do this!?!" Probably not the most spiritual thing I ever did, but I drove down the country road about a mile, pulled over, and took a look at the honorarium. It was exactly $ 300.00. That was a defining moment for me concerning God's supply in my life.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<em> <strong>So, what's the point?</strong></em> 1) Take a few minutes&nbsp;to review your professional life, your relational life, your family life, and your spiritual life and identify at least&nbsp;one defining moment in each area. Give special attention to your spiritual life. 2) Recognize that the circumstance you are currently experiencing may be a defining moment in some area of your life, therefore, respond appropriately. 3) Know&nbsp;that past mistakes should not continue to define you for a lifetime. 4) Choose Jesus to experience the most significant defining moment in your life.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #262626; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span>Allan Eakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538383305986781804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018231972010452450.post-15936257028392757462016-11-23T04:39:00.001-08:002016-11-23T04:44:48.539-08:00Thankful For It All<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--LGDFVtY02o/WDWMNuRHvNI/AAAAAAAAB7c/gXjMKWSX3Ow4iF1vp7kSsFYVuqW56VKwwCLcB/s1600/Gratitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--LGDFVtY02o/WDWMNuRHvNI/AAAAAAAAB7c/gXjMKWSX3Ow4iF1vp7kSsFYVuqW56VKwwCLcB/s200/Gratitude.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>In May 1940, the Nazis invaded the Netherlands. They imposed many restrictions on the Dutch people. Among those Dutch residents was the family of Casper Ten Boom. They were Christians.<br /><br /><br />Mr. Ten Boom, from his study of the Old Testament, understood that the Jews were God's chosen people. As a result, he eventually became involved in the Dutch underground hiding Jewish&nbsp;refugees.<br /><br /><br />In 1944, an informant exposed the Ten Boom's work. They were arrested and sent to prison. Corrie and Betsie Ten Boom, two daughters of Casper, were transferred to Nazi concentration camps. They&nbsp;finally landing in Ravensbruck, a women's labor camp in Germany. Ravensbruck was a miserable place, yet the two girls began ministering to their fellow prisoners. After a hard day's work, they would hold worship services and encourage others, using a Bible theat they had managed to sneak in.<br /><br /><br /><strong>During those difficult days, Betsie Ten Boom reminded her sister to be thankful for God's grace.</strong> She even encouraged her sister&nbsp;to give thanks for the fleas that infested their barracks. At first Corrie could find nothing about the irritating bites of the fleas for which to be thankful. She uttered gratitude to God anyway. For weeks the two women were able to worship with and minister to their fellow inmates without harassment from the SS Guards. They later discovered that the flea infestation was the tool God used to keep the execution guards from entering their barracks. THANK GOD FOR FLEAS!<br /><br /><br /><strong>What was first considered an insufferable nuisance was actually God's instrument of protection.</strong> We can give thanks in all circumstances and at all times because God works all things together for our good and His glory. I did not say all things were good, but rather God could use all things for our good and His glory.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Gratitude soothes our spirit. It adjusts our attitudes. It changes our perspective</strong>.<br /><br /><br /><strong>So how do I get to the place of "thanking God for fleas?"</strong><br /><ul><li>Express thanks regularly (1 Corinthains 14:16)</li><li>Live Spirit-filled (Ephesians 5:18-20)</li><li>Understand God's sovereign care (Romans 8:28)</li></ul><br /><br /><ul></ul><strong>Remember, a thankful attitude must be cultivated regularly.</strong> What are the first steps?<br /><ul><li>Determine to become intentinally thankful</li><li>Determine to be thankful in ALL things</li><li>Thank HIM for His grace and your circumstance NOW.</li></ul><div>&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><br />Allan Eakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538383305986781804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018231972010452450.post-64943582934092607072016-11-16T05:00:00.000-08:002016-11-16T05:00:07.751-08:00Lesson From My Visit to the Apple Store<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLRp6QLWIvY/UjZCU5m35DI/AAAAAAAABMc/o0BJfRfeH6A/s1600/appl3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLRp6QLWIvY/UjZCU5m35DI/AAAAAAAABMc/o0BJfRfeH6A/s200/appl3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><i>A hypothetical "group" conversation went like this.</i><br /><br /><strong>Me</strong>: Hi. My name is Allan and I suffer from Mac Snobbery.<br /><br /><strong>Group:</strong> Hi, Allan!<br /><br /><b>Me:</b> I have been doing really well with my Mac Snobbery until last week when I stubbled.<br /><br /><b>Leader:</b> Tell us about it, Allan.<br /><br /><b>Me: </b>For some time now, I have had my Mac Snobbery in check. I have not looked down my nose at PC users. I have not poked fun at the fact that PC users must update thier virus&nbsp;protection program&nbsp;almost daily. I have not spoken sarcastically about how Windows rolls out a new operating system and lets the public find the problems with it.<br /><br /><b>Leader:</b> Go on, Allan!<br /><br /><b>Me</b>: Recently, the church where I serve as pastor determined to purchase an iPad for me. It was a pastor appreciation gift. It was to replace our families very first iPad - a Gen 1. It served me well for 5 productive years. A couple of days ago, I dropped by the Apple Store and picked up my new iPad. As I walked out of the store, it overcame me - Mac Snobbery. It is contagious at every Apple facility.<br /><br />So what lessons were learned from the visit to the Apple Store?<br /><br />1)&nbsp; Man's battle with sin is ongoing and will never cease this side of heaven.<br /><br />2) If a particular person, place, or action contributes to your spiritual failure. Avoid them!<br /><br />3) Pride goes before a fall.<br /><br />4) Don't judge others because of their weaknesses. Yours are just as great!!!<br /><br /><br />Looking forward,<br /><br />Allan<br /><br />Allan Eakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538383305986781804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018231972010452450.post-13404718448215082652016-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:002016-11-14T17:16:03.385-08:00Five Years and Counting<br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kEIZ7cbSZNM/WCTUL9vC3HI/AAAAAAAAB6g/lJYaqO2yUcEWixVdvsf-255hsRp846RawCLcB/s1600/Milestone_Icon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kEIZ7cbSZNM/WCTUL9vC3HI/AAAAAAAAB6g/lJYaqO2yUcEWixVdvsf-255hsRp846RawCLcB/s200/Milestone_Icon.png" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">October 31, 2011 was officially my first day as pastor of Celebration Baptist Church. That’s FIVE years ago! Amazing.</span><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">When those “time flies” moments occur, I am reminded of an older gentleman named W. T. Floyd. He was a member of the church that I served in the Marion, Arkansas area. I had passed the five-year mark serving as their pastor. I placed a small announcement in the weekly publication noting the milestone. As I walked down the center aisle of the church building, just prior to beginning Morning Worship, Mr. Floyd reached out and tugged on my coat tail. With a smirk on his face, Mr. Floyd commented, “<em>Preacher, you haven't been here five years, have you?</em>” I confirmed replied, “<em>Yes sir, I have been here five years. Time flies when you’re having fun.”</em> With a gleam in his eye, he responded, <em>“Son, when you get my age (north of 80 years old), time flies whether you're having fun or not!</em>” The older I get, the more I appreciate his candor!!</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">Highlights for me, over the last five years, have been 1) the establishment of some wonderful relationships in Haskell and the surrounding communities. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>2) I have thoroughly enjoyed serving our community together as a church family and believe we have made a difference in our little town. 3) I am celebrating the maturing of Celebration Baptist Church. We have moved from a newly organized congregation to a&nbsp;“sending church” for group in Fort Smith. 4) I have watched many of you assume various roles of leadership. Some you didn’t think you could do, but did. 5) You have grown numerically, financially, and in your serving. </span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">Just remember, God has more for Celebration Baptist Church to do in our community and the world. </span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">Finally, allow me to say THANK YOU for the Pastor Appreciation gifts during October. The new iPad was wonderful!!! My Generation 1 iPad was struggling. Also, the additional financial gift was greatly appreciated as well. You are a generous people. Thank you!</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">Looking Forward,</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;calibri&quot;;">Allan</span></div>Allan Eakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538383305986781804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018231972010452450.post-88270535203250650302016-11-07T05:20:00.000-08:002016-11-07T05:20:01.114-08:00No One Wants to Be A Servant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X91SeY6qgVQ/V8V5psUWZYI/AAAAAAAAB2k/i9-49NR7JOwqE0QpuneQKKFUGs-72tY7gCLcB/s1600/servant-of-all1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X91SeY6qgVQ/V8V5psUWZYI/AAAAAAAAB2k/i9-49NR7JOwqE0QpuneQKKFUGs-72tY7gCLcB/s200/servant-of-all1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>In an interview with Justin Blaney, Pastor Rick Warren stated, <em>"For every one book you can find on being a servant, there are one-hundred to two-hundred books on being a leader. Everybody wants to be a leader. No one wants to be a servant."<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></em><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>Jesus said, <em>"...on the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave, 28) just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life - a ransom for many"</em> (Matthew 20:26-28, HCSB).<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>A ministry friend, who is the head of a church planting group in Seattle, Washington, has a practice of stopping to pick up trash as he walks to an appointment or from his car to a restaurant. Why? It is a reminder to him that he is a servant and must never become too full of himself.<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="text Matt-20-28" id="en-HCSB-23821"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"><br /></sup></span></span></span><span class="text Matt-20-28"><span class="woj">Celebration Baptist Church has the reputation of being a church that serves. One teacher at Westbrook Elementary asked why that was the case. My reply, "<em>It's in our spiritual DNA. Jesus did it, so should we!"<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span></em><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="text Matt-20-28"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></span></span><span class="text Matt-20-28"><span class="woj">But, it is often hard to be a servant. Why? 1) Serving takes effort. Most people are too lazy to serve. 2) Serving takes humility. Most people are too proud to serve. 3) Serving is sometimes messy. Many people don't want to get their hands dirty. 4) Servants don't&nbsp;usually get noticed or praised. People are too self-centered to serve. 5) Serving is not always fun. Most people are to pleasure oriented to serve.<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="text Matt-20-28"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></span><span class="text Matt-20-28"><span class="woj">But understand, there is no greater joy than&nbsp;that which comes from serving another person or group and seeing a life changed. There is not greater satisfaction than knowing you are serving like Jesus. Why? When we serve, we are the hands and feet of Jesus to others. Maybe they will ask "Why?" Your answer? JESUS.</span></span>Allan Eakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538383305986781804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018231972010452450.post-89239076355135228032016-11-02T04:51:00.002-07:002016-11-02T05:01:00.422-07:00Not Everything Is Disposable<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4cT4QyKEtyw/WBnSKrcP1EI/AAAAAAAAB6E/vqKQcigWKGwOnhJuWbbOImkDI8z9SLFGgCEw/s1600/rubbish-bags-psd-469257.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4cT4QyKEtyw/WBnSKrcP1EI/AAAAAAAAB6E/vqKQcigWKGwOnhJuWbbOImkDI8z9SLFGgCEw/s200/rubbish-bags-psd-469257.png" width="200" /></a></div>Growing up, my step-father saved everything. He saved scrap pieces of lumber, extra bolts and screws, and, yes, even bent nails pulled from used lumber. He did not throw away much, but repurposed most everything.<br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I remember hearing stories from my grandparents about making dresses from flour sacks and using jelly jars for drinking glasses. They wasted very little. </div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div>In contrast, modern America has become a disposable society. Last year, America produced approximately 220 million tons of garbage. We throw away a great deal of stuff.<br /><br /><br />As a disposable society, much of what we use and encounter is utilized only once and then tossed in the garbage. We have disposable razors, disposable cups, and disposable plates. We use tissues instead of handkerchiefs. We use paper towels instead of rags. We use disposable diapers instead of cloth ones. Electronics are not economical to repair, so our televisions and our computers become disposable. Instead of researching a product, some folks just buy their first option, knowing they can easily sell it to someone else if it does not satisfy.<br /><br /><br />This disposable mindset has spilled over into many areas of our lives. As a result marriages are viewed as disposable, jobs are disposable, and churches are disposable.<br /><br /><br />If a spouse becomes unhappy with or bored with another spouse, the marriage is disposed of through divorce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>If an employee decides that reporting for work is a bother, the situation is resolved through a resignation. If a church member feels distant or doesn’t like the way a children’s worker spoke to their child, the situation is solved through seeking another church. <br /><br /><br />Fortunately, God does not view Christ-followers as disposable. In spite of our failures, our weaknesses, our sin, and our dumb decisions, the Father has announced that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35-39). God is committed to you and me. He is in a relationship with us for the long haul. <br /><br /><br />So what’s the point? Not everything is disposable!! 1) You are the object of God’s great love, invest in that relationship. While there may be ups and downs, invest in that relationship. While you may occasionally entertain thoughts of walking away, invest in that relationship. While you may feel abandoned at times, invest in that relationship. 2) Cultivate foundational relationships diligently. Key relationships like marriage relationships, mentor-mentee relationships, and family relationships are priceless. Fight for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>3) Investment implies intentionality, commitment, and perseverance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Let’s get to work and make these things last!!Allan Eakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538383305986781804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018231972010452450.post-70060277046919421392016-08-30T04:48:00.002-07:002016-08-30T04:49:22.121-07:00It's About Perspective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kACUdP8zihE/V8VvIHetPwI/AAAAAAAAB2M/2tv9Wu27dqAg0hVy2DBatMmoQqu-3XJBgCEw/s1600/o-PERSPECTIVE-570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kACUdP8zihE/V8VvIHetPwI/AAAAAAAAB2M/2tv9Wu27dqAg0hVy2DBatMmoQqu-3XJBgCEw/s200/o-PERSPECTIVE-570.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Recently, the Celebration crew fulfilled their commitment to the Arkansas Highway Department's Adopt-A-Highway program. For those who may not be familiar with the program, CBC picks up trash for a one mile stretch of I-30 near the Haskell exit four times a year.<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>While picking up trash, we noticed a car pulled to the road shoulder with an apparent flat tire. There were three young men working to change the tire. They didn't need help, so we continued with our trash task.<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>At one point, I turned to Mr. Dale, a retire public school teacher, and commented "I am glad we are not changing a flat tire on the side of this busy interstate highway." To which he replied, "One of them is probably thinking 'I am glad I am not those guys picking up trash on the side of the road doing their mandatory community service!'"<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>Mr. Dale, always the teacher, reminded me yet again the importance of perspective. That caused me to begin thinking about the perspective of a Christ-follower.<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><strong><br /></strong></span><strong>1) A Christian's perspective on anything must be filtered through the Bible.</strong> The "assumptions we think and live by should be biblical ones, and we should build on these Biblical assumptions when approaching theology, politics, economic theory, medical science, emerging technologies, the arts, human behavior, literature, criminal justice, international relationships, or anything else," - Charles Colson. Everyone has a filter through which they view life and everything associated with it. A Christian's filter is the Word of God.<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>2<strong>) The Christian's perspective must include the universal need for Jesus in all people.</strong> According to the&nbsp;Bible (see bullet point #1), all people are broken by sin and can not repair themselves. All people need Jesus to resolve their sin crisis.<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><strong><br /></strong></span><strong>3) The Christian's perspective must include hope.</strong> Biblical hope is not some "think so," "wish so" , positive thinking mindset. To degrade biblical hope to those terms is tragic. Biblical hope is a confident assurance that God will do what He said he would do concerning all things, especially eternity. <span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><strong><br /></strong></span><strong>The question remains, "So what?"</strong> By filtering everything through the Word of God, 2) the understanding of man's universal need for Jesus, and 3) the believer's sure hope in Jesus, the Christ-follower should be compelled to live life with focus, purpose, and assurance. We learn the what, why, and how of life. We have the perspective necessary to see REAL life-change in those around us.Allan Eakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538383305986781804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018231972010452450.post-26258886782967803322016-08-18T04:00:00.000-07:002016-08-18T04:35:12.624-07:00So, what's the deal with Joseph?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MymFhxGazwA/V7In-rGZ5kI/AAAAAAAAB1k/wifNB7oyIGYpTrK9bbc7b3ayJVWwhBxaACEw/s1600/coat-of-many-colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MymFhxGazwA/V7In-rGZ5kI/AAAAAAAAB1k/wifNB7oyIGYpTrK9bbc7b3ayJVWwhBxaACEw/s200/coat-of-many-colors.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Recently, a friend asked me why I admire the Bible personality of Joseph? You remember his story. He was the youngest of twelve boys. He was a dreamer. He was the favored son. One day, he showed up at his brothers' work place bragging that he would one day be their boss. They did not appreciate little brother's words and conspired to get rid of him. <br /><br />Joseph was left to die, but was rescued by a nomadic group of people that sold him into slavery in Egypt. Joseph became a servant to Potiphar and became a leader among the palace servants. He was falsely accused of a crime and sent to jail. There, he rose to leadership among the prisoners. After some time, he was restored to his governmental duties only to rise to leadership and a place of high responsibility. <br /><br />I like this guy! Everywhere he went, he rose to leadership. In every case, what seemed to be mistreatment by others turned out to benefit Joseph. <br /><br />So, why do I admire this guy? His repeated rise to leadership? The fact that he was a dreamer? The reality that God seemed to repeatedly&nbsp;take something that was meant to be detrimental to Joseph and used it for good? Nope, not even close.<br /><br />I admire Joseph, because at every station in life he was successful. He seemed to understand that nothing entered his life but those things that had first passed through God's sovereign hands. <strong><em>At every turn in life, he&nbsp;accepted his&nbsp;role, sought to obey God, and put his head down and worked.</em></strong> I like that about him!<br /><br />There is no record of him whining about life's injustices or circumstances. They were all&nbsp; opportunities. Joseph's most profound statement was "<em>You planned evil against me; God planned it for good . . .</em>&nbsp; (Genesis 50:22).<span class="p"><br /></span><br />I'm no Joseph. But I'm striving to emulate his attitude, his work ethic, and his optimism. <br /><br />Read more about Joseph in <strong>Genesis 37-46.</strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Allan Eakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538383305986781804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018231972010452450.post-545455376152337402016-08-15T12:34:00.003-07:002017-09-19T07:03:18.848-07:00Hi. My name is Allan. I am a bi-vocational pastor.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LVnltc-pMKc/V7IYmjk_nYI/AAAAAAAAB0s/QjfvokHCy6Ir6Y3If8_BJ3pAbeuVQdimACLcB/s1600/bivocational.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LVnltc-pMKc/V7IYmjk_nYI/AAAAAAAAB0s/QjfvokHCy6Ir6Y3If8_BJ3pAbeuVQdimACLcB/s200/bivocational.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I enjoy watching the facial expression of people when they learn I am a bi-vocational pastor. Sometimes I sense people are thinking, "so you can't get a full-time church, huh?" Currently, I am <strong><em>intentionally</em></strong> bi-vocational. That is, I <u><strong>choose</strong></u> to work in a non-church related job, in addition to serving as pastor. Originally, the bi-vocational role was necessary. Now I have fully embraced it. I remember reading about the great church-planter, Paul the apostle. He was intentionally bi-vocational at times. Was he a second-rate church planter? Certainly not!!! Read about his intentionality in Acts 18:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />Here are the benefits of being bi-vocational that I have experienced. <br /><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><br /><strong>1) I stay in touch with "real" world living.</strong> Some times pastors forget that their people work 40-50 hours a week, have a family, maintain a dwelling, coach their kids football (basketball, softball, baseball or all four) and sometimes work a second job&nbsp;to make ends meet. They are busy. Life is busy. Right or wrong, that is the way people live. Therefore, I try to&nbsp;have fewer, shorter, and more efficient meetings. General busyness is reduced. Responsibilities are spread over a larger people pool.<br /><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong><br /><strong>2) I have the opportunity to live incarnationally more consistently</strong>.&nbsp;Jesus&nbsp;established an incarnational model for living. Working alongside people, the opportunity to listen, serve, demonstrate compassion, and model Jesus presents itself daily. <br /><br /><strong>3</strong><strong>) I have the opportunity to live on mission more readily</strong>. Jesus made it a point to hang around people from many different walks of life. He had meaningful, spiritual conversations with many of them. When you work with or beside people daily (and do it well), you earn the privilege of speaking Jesus into their lives because they have seen you live Jesus before them during both the good and difficult times.<br /><br /><strong>4) I feel like my preaching is richer.</strong> I can say phrases like, "the other day at work. . . " or "my boss did this. . . " or "I had a conversation with a co-worker. . ."&nbsp; Those experiences add&nbsp;credibility to your preaching. Of course the names must be changed to protect the <strike>innocent</strike> guilty.<br /><br /><strong>5) I have learned to plan and lead toward more reasonable goals.</strong> Most people have been exposed to the SMART acronym when setting goals.&nbsp;Goals must be <strong><u>S</u></strong>pecific, <strong>M</strong>easurable, <strong><u>A</u></strong>ttainable, <strong><u>R</u></strong>ealistic, and <u><strong>T</strong></u>imely to be effective. Being bi-vocational, my frame of reference is a little different. Realistic has taken on a whole new meaning. <br /><br /><strong>6) I am learning to delegate more.</strong> Prior to my current ministry, I thought I delegated pretty well. Let's face it, we all think that. But as my current ministry grows, I can not take on more and more responsibility. Therefore, for the ministry to continue to grow, I must share responsibility with others that are gifted and willing to serve. <br /><br />Will I finish my vocational ministry career in a bi-vocational role? I have no earthly idea. I yield to God on that one. For now, I'm still learning how to balance a ministry and a job. When I learn a couple of more lessons, I'll share them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><h1 class="entry-title"></h1><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Allan Eakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538383305986781804noreply@blogger.com0